Hong Kong, another 10 years in prison for pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong

A Hong Kong court today sentenced pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong to an additional 10 years in prison for collusion with foreign countries, following a retrial under the National Security Law.

Wong, who has just turned 30, is one of the best-known figures of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and of the large demonstrations of 2019. The former student leader, already detained for almost six years, had pleaded guilty in September to new charges of collusion with foreign countries; he risked life imprisonment.

"The court imposed a final sentence of ten years' imprisonment" on Wong, reads a press release issued by the court. Wong was due to be released from prison in January after serving four years and eight months in prison for "subversion" under the national security law, imposed on the territory by China in 2020.

In June 2025, Hong Kong authorities used the same legislation to accuse him of having solicited foreign countries and entities to facilitate the imposition of sanctions against the financial center and China. For this charge, Wong faced up to life imprisonment, while the defense had asked for a more lenient sentence of between three and 10 years.

This morning Wong entered the courtroom appearing calm; he was wearing a blue shirt and black-rimmed glasses. He greeted the supporters with a nod, observing the audience and the journalists present. After the verdict was read, Wong thanked those who supported him and waved to them as he was led away. “We will wait for you when you come out,” they shouted at him. Dozens of people had waited, some since the previous day, to attend the hearing, while a large police force was deployed in front of the court building.